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Raw Chicken
While your cat might well be interested in a piece of succulent raw chicken, allowing them to have some comes at a risk. Just like humans, cats can get sick from harmful bacteria that may be present in raw chicken, with the most common ones being Salmonella and Campylobacter. To protect your cat’s health, it’s better not to feed them any raw poultry.
Raw Fish
Feeding your cat raw fish might seem harmless, but unless it’s high-quality, human-grade fish—like that used in sushi or poké bowls—it could pose serious health risks. Self-caught fish or fish from dubious sources can contain parasites like tapeworms or bacteria such as E. coli and Listeria. Additionally, raw fish and shellfish can contain thiaminase, an enzyme that breaks down vitamin B1 (thiamine). If you want to be absolutely sure your cat stays safe and disease-free, it’s best to skip raw fish altogether.
What about cooked chicken and fish?
Bacteria, viruses, and parasites like tapeworms can be effectively eliminated by heating meat and seafood to the proper temperature. According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and maintained for at least 3 minutes to ensure any harmful pathogens are destroyed. And just as important: always remove any bones before serving cooked meat or fish to your cat, as these can pose a serious choking hazard or cause internal injury.
